The American Flower Garden Directory - free ebook by Robert Buist

Read as playlist

The American Flower Garden Directory

Robert Buist

54 chapters

8 hour read

Read as playlist

Selected Chapters

54 chapters

THE AMERICAN FLOWER GARDEN DIRECTORY,

THE AMERICAN FLOWER GARDEN DIRECTORY,

CONTAINING PRACTICAL DIRECTIONS FOR THE CULTURE OF PLANTS, IN THE HOT-HOUSE, GARDEN-HOUSE, FLOWER GARDEN AND ROOMS OR PARLOURS, FOR EVERY MONTH IN THE YEAR. With A DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANTS MOST DESIRABLE IN EACH, THE NATURE OF THE SOIL AND SITUATION BEST ADAPTED TO THEIR GROWTH, THE PROPER SEASON FOR TRANSPLANTING, &amp;c. INSTRUCTIONS FOR ERECTING A Hot-house, Green-house, and laying out a Flower Garden. ALSO Table of Soils most congenial to the Plants contained in the Work . THE WHOLE ADA

1 minute read

Read Chapter

PREFACE.

PREFACE.

This volume owes its existence principally to the repeated requests of a number of our fair patrons, and amateur supporters, whose enquiries and wishes for a practical manual on Floraculture, at last induced us to prepare a work on the subject. That now offered is given unaffectedly and simply as a plain and easy treatise on this increasingly interesting subject. It will at once be perceived that there are no pretensions to literary claims—the directions are given in the simplest manner—the arra

2 minute read

Read Chapter

INTRODUCTION.

INTRODUCTION.

In presenting this work, constructed as a monthly calendar, which is the most simple and easy method to convey the necessary operations of the year, considerably more labour has been expended, than was at first expected, to render it as accurate as possible. Some verbal mistakes may have been overlooked in the botanical names. Where such occur, the list of names at the end of the volume will enable the reader to correct them; as well as the accentuation. For such other errors as may be discovere

2 minute read

Read Chapter

OMITTED IN MARCH.

OMITTED IN MARCH.

Jasmìnum , Jasmine. A few species of this genus are celebrated either for the Green-house or Rooms. J. odoratíssimum , Azorian, has very sweet-scented yellow flowers, blooming from April to November. J. revolùtum is the earliest flowering one, and of the same colour; it is apt to grow straggling, and should be close pruned as soon as done blooming, which will be about June. J. grandiflòrum is frequently called Catalonian, and should be pruned early in spring to make it bloom well, especially old

33 minute read

Read Chapter

ERRATA.

ERRATA.

Page 104, dele " L. Silaifòlia has leaves bipinnatifid and smooth; segments wedge-shaped and cut; L. dentáta and L. ilicifòlia , are the finest;" and place it to " Lomàtia ," page 103. Page 321, ninth line from top, dele " Pèdulis ." [Pg 8] [Pg 9]...

16 minute read

Read Chapter

JANUARY.

JANUARY.

At all times be very careful of the temperature of this department, and more especially at this season of the year, as a few minutes' neglect might materially injure many of the delicate plants. The thermometer ought to range between 58° and 65°. In fine sunshine days, admit a little air by having some of the top sashes let down, one, two, or three inches, according to the weather, and let it always be done from eleven to one o'clock; but by no means in such a manner as to cause a draught in the

13 minute read

Read Chapter

JANUARY.

JANUARY.

This compartment requires particular attention, in order to preserve the plants in good health, and carry them through this precarious season of the year. A little air must be admitted at all convenient times. An hour or two at mid-day will be of the utmost importance in drying up damp, and clearing off stagnated air, which is a harbour for every corruption. The top sashes being let down, or turned a few inches, in mild days (that is, when it is not high and cutting winds) from ten or eleven o'c

5 minute read

Read Chapter

JANUARY.

JANUARY.

If the covering of the beds of choice bulbs, herbaceous plants, or tender shrubs, has been neglected last month, let it be done forthwith. The season is now precarious, and delays are dangerous. For particular directions, see December . Any bulbous roots that have been kept out of the ground, should be planted immediately, according to directions in October . Some writers have recommended keeping some of the bulbs until this month, in order to have a continued succession. Experience will prove t

2 minute read

Read Chapter

JANUARY.

JANUARY.

Plants that are kept in rooms generally are such as require a medium temperature, say 40°. Sitting rooms or parlours, about this season, are, for the most part, heated from 55° to 65°, and very seldom has the air any admittance into these apartments, thus keeping the temperature from 15° to 25° higher than the nature of the plants requires, and excluding that fresh air which is requisite to support a forced vegetative principle. Therefore, as far as practicable, let the plants be kept in a room

4 minute read

Read Chapter

FEBRUARY.

FEBRUARY.

In the early part of this month the weather generally is very cold and changeable in the middle states, and strict attention, with the greatest caution, will require to be paid to the management of the Hot-house. Most of the tropical plants commence an active state of vegetation; and if checked by temperature or otherwise, they will not recover until midsummer. The thermometer may be kept two or three degrees higher with fire heat than last month; the sun will be more powerful, and this will, in

6 minute read

Read Chapter

FEBRUARY.

FEBRUARY.

The directions given last month respecting the airing and temperature of the house, may still be followed, differing only in admitting air more freely as the season advances, and according to the power the sun has on the glass, which now begins to be considerable. If the weather is tolerably mild, air may be admitted in time of sunshine, so as to keep the mercury as low as 45°, but be cautious in cold, cloudy, frosty weather. It is a practice with many in such weather to keep the shutters on the

6 minute read

Read Chapter

FEBRUARY.

FEBRUARY.

Where the borders and beds were dug in the fall, and compost or a thin coating of well decayed manure given, the advantage will now in part be experienced. If the weather is open about the end of the month, the pruning should be done with the utmost despatch; that all may be prepared for a general dressing next month, and let nothing be delayed which can now properly be accomplished, under the idea that there is time enough. Generally about the end of the month the very severe frosts are over; a

12 minute read

Read Chapter

FEBRUARY.

FEBRUARY.

At this season, the plants call for the most assiduous attention. If the stage has been made according to our description, in very cold nights it should be drawn to the centre of the room, or at least withdrawn from the window, observing every night to close the window tight by shutters, or some substitute equally as good. And, if the temperature begins to fall below 34°, means should be adopted to prevent it, either by putting a fire in the room, or opening any adjoining apartment where fire is

1 minute read

Read Chapter

MARCH.

MARCH.

If this department has been regularly attended to, the plants will be in a fresh healthy state. Where there is any sickly appearance, heat has been deficient, or insects of a destructive character are preying upon them. Too much water at the root frequently causes the foliage to become yellow. It will add greatly to their general improvement, to syringe the whole twice or three times a week, observing to do it in the morning about sunrise; and it is highly necessary that the water that is used s

1 minute read

Read Chapter

MARCH.

MARCH.

The plants in this compartment will begin to assume a different aspect, and air must be admitted every day if practicable, giving large portions in sunshine by the sashes regularly over all the house, opening those of the front a little, and likewise the doors in fine mild days. To perform this judiciously, give a little about eight or nine o'clock, more at ten, and the whole from eleven till twelve o'clock, shutting again by degrees. Fire heat will now be dispensed with, but in frosty nights ha

2 hour read

Read Chapter

MARCH.

MARCH.

It is expected that all the pruning is finished. If not, get all expeditiously done, according to directions given in the preceding months, likewise all digging, and that which was dug in the autumn, point over, or half dig, that all may have a neat appearance. This must not be done when the ground is too much imbibed with moisture, as that would harden the soil. Break it well with the spade, leaving it one or two days before the surface is raked smooth, that all may be ready to receive the seed

45 minute read

Read Chapter

MARCH.

MARCH.

If the plants in these situations have been properly attended to by admitting air at all favourable times, and when the apartment was below 36° a little fire heat applied to counteract the cold, keeping the heat above that degree; your attention will be rewarded by the healthy appearance of your plants. The weather by this time has generally become milder, so that air may be more freely admitted, especially from ten to three o'clock. Where the leaves are grown to one side, turn the plant with th

3 minute read

Read Chapter

APRIL.

APRIL.

Where the Hot-house has been properly conducted, the plants generally will have a vigorous and healthful aspect. An error frequently arises in the conducting of these departments, by inexperienced operators being ambitious of outstripping their competitors. They keep the house in a very high temperature, and admit little or no air. Where such mode has been pursued, the plants will have got over their first growth, and the foliage look yellow and decaying, thus throwing the plants into a state of

2 minute read

Read Chapter

APRIL.

APRIL.

Regarding the shifting or repotting of plants, the directions given last month may be followed. If the plants are not shifted that require it, get them done as soon as possible, for they will soon get into a luxuriant state of growth, and then it would not be advisable to shift them. Those that were repotted last month will have taken fresh root in the new soil, and the advantage will soon be perceptible. In order to strengthen the plants, and keep them from becoming drawn and spindly, admit lar

8 minute read

Read Chapter

APRIL.

APRIL.

The ambition of every attentive gardener, during this month, is to be at the head of every department, and over every spot. The operator's activity in this month regulates the whole season. Every weed ought to be cut down as soon as it appears, and the proverbial saying will be realized, "a garden that is well kept is easily kept." A wet day need cause no loss of time. Prepare rods, bands, and tallies, to be in readiness when required. Damp weather should always be taken to prick out or transpla

43 minute read

Read Chapter

APRIL.

APRIL.

We remarked last month, that about this season, where it is convenient, an eastern window is more congenial to plants than a southern. The sun becomes too powerful, and the morning sun is preferable to that of the afternoon. West is also preferable to south. Some keep their plants in excellent order at a north window. But the weather is so mild after this, that there is no difficulty in protecting and growing plants in rooms. They generally suffer most from want of air and water; the window must

3 minute read

Read Chapter

MAY.

MAY.

Very few directions for this department remain to be given; except for shifting plants, and a few observations on those that are most desirable for the Hot-house; which we will do in this month, considering May and June the best months of the year for that operation. The days and nights will be very mild by this time, and the sashes in every favourable day should be opened both in front and top, so that the plants may be enured to the open air, which they will be exposed to by the end of the mon

52 minute read

Read Chapter

MAY.

MAY.

About the first of the month, all the small half hardy plants may be taken out of the green house, and those that are left will be more benefited by a freer circulation of air, which will enure them to exposure. The Geraniums ought to stand perfectly clear of other plants, while in flower and growing, or they will be much drawn and spindly. We have advanced so much on this subject, another observation is not necessary; except as to succulents, which are frequently overwatered about this period.

10 minute read

Read Chapter

MAY.

MAY.

It is highly desirable to have all the scientific operations as much advanced in the beginning of this month as is practicable, that at all times immediate attention may be given to the destroying of weeds wherever they appear. By the first of the month finish sowing all hardy Annuals and Biennials; and about the middle of the month all those that are tropical. The weather being now warm, they will vegetate in a few days or weeks. Attend to thinning of those that are too thick, giving gentle wat

3 minute read

Read Chapter

MAY.

MAY.

All the plants will be able to withstand exposure, in the general state of the seasons, about the 10th of the month. Begin about the first to take out the hardiest, such as Laurestínus , Hydrángeas , Roses , Primroses , Polyanthus , &amp;c. and thus allow the others to stand more free, and become hardened to exposure. The reason that plants are so often seen brown, stunted, and almost half dead, is from the exposed situation they are placed in, with the direct sun upon them, and too frequent

2 minute read

Read Chapter

JUNE AND JULY.

JUNE AND JULY.

As the plants of the Hot-house are all exposed to the open air, the directions will include both months. If the repotting is over, as recommended last month, all the attention they will require until the end of August, is the administering of water at the roots, and by the syringe over head. It will be impossible to say how great are their wants, that depending entirely upon the nature of the plant, the situation, and the season; but never neglect to look over them every evening, and after very

1 minute read

Read Chapter

JUNE AND JULY.

JUNE AND JULY.

The plants being out of the house, there need be little added under this head. Their treatment is in the general, and the required attention is in giving water according to their different constitutions and habits. Where there are not rain or river water, it should stand at least one day in butts or cisterns, to take the chilly air from it, and become softened by the surrounding atmosphere. This is more essential to the health of the plants than is generally supposed. The small plants in dry wea

59 minute read

Read Chapter

JUNE AND JULY.

JUNE AND JULY.

The lifting of these will be general in June. For directions see May . It is not advisable to take up Jonquils , Fritillària , Crocus , and Iris , oftener than every alternate year; Jonquils may stand three years. Anemones and Ranunculus should be carefully lifted after their leaves begin to fade. Do not expose them to the sun, but cover slightly with earth or sand until they are perfectly dry, when they may be sifted out of the earth, and put into drawers carefully labeled. Some recommend to so

10 minute read

Read Chapter

JUNE AND JULY.

JUNE AND JULY.

The only attention requisite to these plants, is in giving water, keeping them from being much exposed to either sun or high winds, and preventing the attack of insects. Water must be regularly given every evening, when there has not been rain during the day. Where they are in a growing state, they are not liable at this season of the year to suffer from too much water, except in a few instances, such as the Lemon-scented Geranium, and those kinds that are tuberose rooted, as Ardèns , Bicòlor ,

1 minute read

Read Chapter

AUGUST.

AUGUST.

The plants of the Hot-house that were repotted in May and June, according to the directions therein given, will at present be in an excellent state of health, provided they have got at all times the requisite supplies of watering. And as we already have been very explicit on that subject, more remarks now would be merely repetition. If any of the repottings were neglected, during May or June, let it be done about the first of this month. Let young plants that are growing freely, where the roots

1 minute read

Read Chapter

AUGUST.

AUGUST.

Any of the Myrtles , Oranges , Lemons , Oleanders , &amp;c. that were headed down in April or May, will be pushing many young shoots. The plant must be carefully examined, to observe which of the shoots ought to be left to form the tree. Having determined on this, cut out all the others close to the stem with a small sharp knife; and if the remaining shoots are above one foot long, pinch off the tops to make them branch out. The trees that were entirely headed down, should not have above six

9 minute read

Read Chapter

AUGUST.

AUGUST.

These always make two growths in the season, and the best time to perform the clipping or dressing of them is before the plants begin their second growth. Choose if possible dull and cloudy days for the operation. The general practice in forming these, is to have the sides even, and the top level, forming a right angle on each side. However neat in appearance this may be considered, it certainly is stiff and formal. We never approve of shearing where it can be avoided, and when adopted, nature o

3 minute read

Read Chapter

AUGUST.

AUGUST.

For the kinds of plants that require potting, we refer to the Green-house for this month. All that are therein specified are peculiarly adapted for rooms, and we would call attention to the genus Cyclamen , which has not been generally introduced into the collections of our ladies; as, from the character and beauty of the flowers, they are very attracting and highly deserving of culture. Attend to the Geraniums as there directed, and be particular in having them cut down, and repotted, as there

57 minute read

Read Chapter

SEPTEMBER.

SEPTEMBER.

Having last month put the house in complete order, all that remains necessary to be attended to, is the state of the plants and pots, which should be regularly examined, and of those where the roots fill the soil, a little may be taken off the top, supplying its place with fresh earth, thereby giving what is called a top dressing. Give each a sufficient rod that requires it, tieing the plant neatly thereto; minutely scrutinise each for insects, and where they are detected, have them eradicated.

2 minute read

Read Chapter

SEPTEMBER.

SEPTEMBER.

During this month every part of the Green-house should have a thorough cleansing, which is too frequently neglected, and many hundreds of insects left unmolested. To preserve the wood work in good order, give it one coat of paint every year. Repair all broken glass, white-wash the whole interior, giving the flues two or three coats, and cover the stages with hot-lime, white-wash, or oil-paint; examine ropes, pullies, and weights, finishing by washing the pavement perfectly clean. If there have b

7 minute read

Read Chapter

SEPTEMBER.

SEPTEMBER.

See that all these plants are supported with proper stakes, rods, &amp;c., that the wind may have no effect in breaking down or otherwise destroying the flower stems. Strictly observe their respective heights and colours, that they may be duly disposed and interspersed next year, if not done so this. If the early part of the month is dry, give them liberal supplies of water. All the flowers that are in pots, and intended to be kept in frames during winter, should have a top-dressing, and a g

1 minute read

Read Chapter

SEPTEMBER.

SEPTEMBER.

Where there is a quantity of plants to be kept in these apartments, they should be disposed to the best effect, and at the same time in such a manner as will be most effectual to their preservation. A stage of some description is certainly the best, and, of whatever shape or form, it ought to be on castors, that it may, in severe nights of frost, be drawn to the centre of the room. The shape may be either concave, a half circle, or one square side. The bottom step or table should be six inches a

1 minute read

Read Chapter

OCTOBER.

OCTOBER.

Very few directions remain to be given to the department of the Hot-house. The supplies of water for this and the two preceding months are, according to the state and nature of tropical plants, more limited than at any other period of the year. This is the first month of what may be called their dormant state. Observe the herbaceous plants, that they are, as soon as their foliage decays, set aside, in case of being too liberally supplied with water. Airing is highly essential about this period,

59 minute read

Read Chapter

OCTOBER.

OCTOBER.

As observed in the previous month, let the housing of Green-house plants now be attended to. Have all in before the eighth of the month, except a few of the half hardy sorts, which may stand until convenient. Begin by taking in all the tallest first, such as Oranges , Lemons , Myrtles , Oleanders , &amp;c. Limes ought to be kept in the warmest part of the house, otherwise they will throw their foliage. In arrangement, order is necessary to have a good effect; and in small houses it ought to

6 minute read

Read Chapter

OCTOBER.

OCTOBER.

From the middle of October to the beginning of November is the best period for a general planting of Dutch bulbs. Cròcuses are the earliest in flower, and may be planted about six inches off the edgings, about four inches apart and two deep, or in beds four feet wide; the varieties selected and planted across the bed in rows of distinct colours, they flowering so early, and in that manner have a grand effect. There are above sixty varieties to be had. Hyacinths. The ground that was prepared for

7 minute read

Read Chapter

OCTOBER.

OCTOBER.

Have a stage or stages, as described last month, in the situations where they are intended to remain all winter; place the plants on them from the first to the eighth of this month, beginning with the tallest on the top, graduating to the bottom. It is desirable to place flats or saucers under each, to prevent the water from falling to the floor, and the water should be emptied from the flats of all except those of Cálla and Hydrángea . The latter while dormant should be kept only a little moist

2 minute read

Read Chapter

NOVEMBER.

NOVEMBER.

The essential points to be attended to in the Hot-house during this month, are fire , air , and water . The former must be applied according to the weather, observing not to allow the temperature to be under fifty degrees, and it ought not to continue long at that degree; fifty-two degrees being preferable. The shutters should be on every night when there is any appearance of frost, and taken off early in the morning. Admit air in small portions every day that the sun has any effect, and the atm

1 minute read

Read Chapter

NOVEMBER.

NOVEMBER.

Airing the house should be strictly attended to. Every day that there is no frost it may be admitted largely, and in time of slight frosts in smaller portions, never keeping it altogether close when the sun has any effect on the interior temperature of the house, which should not be allowed to be higher than fifty degrees. Water must be given in a very sparing manner. None of the plants are in an active state of vegetation, consequently it will be found that looking over them twice a week and su

1 minute read

Read Chapter

NOVEMBER.

NOVEMBER.

Wherever there are any Holland bulbs remaining unplanted, have them put in as soon as possible, lest frost should set in. It is not advisable to keep them later out of the ground than the beginning of this month. On the appearance of the severity of winter, the finer sorts of these should have a simple protection, not because they will not do without such care, but to prevent the alternate thawing and freezing of the embryo of the bulb. To give them a covering three inches deep of any of the fol

6 minute read

Read Chapter

NOVEMBER.

NOVEMBER.

The remarks and instructions that are given last month for these apartments will equally answer here. Where the Dutch bulbs were omitted to be placed in glasses, they ought not to be longer delayed. A few pots of those that were planted in September may be placed in a warmer situation. If they were plunged in the ground, the roots will be strongly fibred, and will produce large flowers, providing the bulbs are of a good sort. Oxàlis. The autumn flowering species will now be in bloom, and must be

1 minute read

Read Chapter

DECEMBER.

DECEMBER.

The uncertainty of the weather in this month requires the operator to be constantly on guard, to ward off danger, either from frost, snow, or cutting winds. The temperature observed last month must be continued, but not exceeded, which would cause premature vegetation, of which the result and effects have already been frequently observed. Always kindle the fires in time, to prevent the heat from being lower than what has been mentioned, lest a severe frost should take, as then a considerable lap

3 minute read

Read Chapter

DECEMBER.

DECEMBER.

The weather may probably be now severe, and it is at all times advisable to keep the temperature as steady and regular as possible. The thermometer should be kept in the centre of the house, and free from the effects of reflection. As noticed last month, sun heat may be as high as 50° in the house, and would not be hurtful, but it should not continue so for any considerable time without admission of air. The fire heat should not exceed 43°, and never be below 33°. It ought not to continue at tha

1 minute read

Read Chapter

DECEMBER.

DECEMBER.

Having in the preceding month, under this head, given details for the protection of plants of a delicate nature, and the forwarding of necessary work, only a few remarks remain to be added. If there is any part therein described omitted, have it done forthwith; every day increases the danger of the effects of frost. If there is a doubt of any plants not standing without protection which are generally considered perfectly hardy, such as Champney , Grevillii , Noisette , and similar roses, tie str

1 minute read

Read Chapter

DECEMBER.

DECEMBER.

As the trying season is now approaching for all plants that are kept in rooms, especially those that are desired to have a flourishing aspect through the winter, a few general instructions (although they may have been previously advanced) will perhaps be desirable to all those who are engaged in this interesting occupation, which forms a luxury through the retired hours of a winter season, and with very little attention many are the beauties of vegetative nature that will be developed to the gra

11 minute read

Read Chapter

Plants described or mentioned in this Work.

Plants described or mentioned in this Work.

Airing the green-house, 20. 38. 172. hot-house, 33. Annuals, of sowing tender, 53. Awning for hyacinths, 202. for carnations, 277. for plants, 256. Box edgings, directions for planting, 139. Bulbs, of protecting, 25. preserving of Cape, 175. method of planting Dutch 318. care of tender 328. Bulbous roots, of uncovering, 152. protecting, 152. Cistern, of a, 12. 273. Cold, in the green-house, effects of, 21. Cleanliness, good and bad effects of, 38. Clipping shrubs, observations on, 44. Carnation,

4 minute read

Read Chapter

LIST OF HARDY SHRUBS.

LIST OF HARDY SHRUBS.

Those marked thus [*], require protection in winter, and those marked thus [+], shade in summer....

6 minute read

Read Chapter

HARDY ANNUALS.

HARDY ANNUALS.

Alyssum , white or sweet. Antírhìnum latifòlia. medíum. speciòsum. versicolor. Argeratum mexicanum. odoratum. Argemone , of sorts. Aster , Chinese, of varieties. Amaranthus , do. do. Balsam , do. do. Caccàlia Coccinea. Centáurea Americàna. Calceolaria of sorts. Cláskia , pulchélla. Celosia of sorts. Calendùla Mary-Gold, of sorts. Candytuft , of var. Convólvulus , of var. Coreopsis , of var. Gypsophìla elegans. Hollyhock , Chinese, of var. Hawkweed , of var. Ipomèa , do. Larkspur , dwarf-rocket.

1 minute read

Read Chapter

TABLE OF SOILS.

TABLE OF SOILS.

The following compound of soils are adapted to the nature of the Plants contained in this Work. The figures attached to the first species of each Genus refer to the Table of Soils, where the compost is in parts; and where any figures occur in the same Genus, the species following are of the same nature. REMARKS ON THE NATURE OF SOILS USED IN THE ABOVE TABLE. Savanna soil —is of a dark colour, with a large portion of white sand incorporated with it, and is found frequently in New Jersey. A mixtur

1 minute read

Read Chapter

HIBBERT AND BUIST,

HIBBERT AND BUIST,

EXOTIC NURSERYMEN AND FLORISTS , Respectfully inform their friends and the public generally, that in addition to the Garden in Thirteenth-street, they have purchased the Nursery Grounds, Green-Houses, &amp;c., established by the late B. M'Mahon, Esq., on the township line, near the Germantown road, about three miles from the city, where the propagation and cultivation of Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, Plants, and Flowers, will hereafter be extensively carried on, and improved in accordance to the

47 minute read

Read Chapter